Coast Guard, Dairy Queen reward safe boaters

SEATTLE – The Coast Guard, Dairy Queen, state boating authorities, Coast Guard Auxiliary and marine law enforcement agencies from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana have teamed up for their sixth year to reward young boaters for safe behavior.

Coupons for free Dairy Queen ice-cream cones will be awarded to boaters 16 years old or younger who are spotted on the water wearing lifejackets on weekends and holidays during the summer.

The Dairy Queen Lifejacket program began May 19 during National Safe Boating Week.

Wearing a lifejacket on a boat is akin to wearing a seatbelt in a car. Like seatbelts, lifejackets greatly increase the odds of survival in the event of an emergency. Whether you plan to go fishing, waterskiing, or just want to enjoy a day on or around the water, the single most important thing you can do to prevent a tragedy is to wear a lifejacket.

All states require kids to wear lifejackets while boating and it is strongly recommended that mariners take a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. For boating safety tips and regulations: visit www.parks.wa.gov/boating.